Most running groups focus on the physical or competitive aspects of running.
We are not most running groups.
About Viva Mental Health and Wellness
Viva is a multi-city mental health practice with a focus on holistic treatment. We believe health looks different on everyone and work closely with clients to develop therapy sessions that work for them and their individual needs. Additionally, we aim to provide wellness to the masses through our podcast, blog, group and organizational collaborations and events, and resources on our website which are open to everyone.
We run for our mental health.
Here at Still I Run, we use running as a tool to manage our mental health. Mental illness or not, regular running can have a positive effect on both mood and self-esteem while also decreasing anxiety and depression. (Oswald et al. 2020).
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So when a Run Chapter comes together to run for our mental health, we want to be intentional about it. That's why we've partnered up with Viva Mental Health and Wellnes.
Still I Run x Viva Wellness
Viva co-founders Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo work with our Run Chapter Captains to put mental health and wellness top of mind when leading group runs. For example, instead of asking “How did it go?” after a run, we’re going to ask “How did it feel?” That simple teak can help set the tone for the rest of your day.
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We are hopeful that with Viva’s help and our dedicated Run Chapter Captain's leadership, you'll find comfort, joy, and friendly in a Still I Run Group.
Rachel Gersten, LMHC, LPCC
Rachel (she/her/hers) is a therapist with a passion for helping people lead their healthiest lives possible.
She believes that wellness looks different on everyone and loves working with clients in sessions tailored to them. A five time marathon finisher and black belt in martial arts despite managing a chronic illness, she believes in the power of movement and strongly feels that a person’s mental, physical, and social health are all intertwined.
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She is dedicated to building a team of therapists at Viva with a similar mission of making therapy more inclusive and accessible.
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When she’s not working, you can find her on the run, cheering on her sports teams, or thinking about the next time she’s going to eat.
Jor-El Caraballo, LMHC
Jor-El (he/him/his), a southern bred, NYC made mental health professional, who brings a comfortable approach to his work with clients. He spent his undergraduate years at the University of North Carolina Wilmington where he studied psychology. After college, he traveled across the United States delivering sexual assault prevention education programs to colleges and military bases to help empower men to prevent sexual assault and be effective bystanders.
He then attended Columbia University where he received master’s degrees (M.A., Ed.M) in Psychological Counseling.
Jor-El believes that true wellness is about taking care of the person as a whole. He has experience working with clients on racial/cultural issues, LGBTQ+ concerns, and mindfulness.
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When he’s not meeting with clients, you’ll probably find him on the hunt for his next spicy meal, writing, and watching movies for stress relief.